Buddhist weekend

Doorway inside museum, Ronda, November 2016

It's been ages since I returned from my time away with dad. Since then I've taken a trip north, played three badminton matches (2 draws, 1 win), my huge television and sound bar were delivered, I have had dinner with an old friend, spent a day engaged in the pastime of Quilling alongside Lola II and some other friends, switched broadband supplier, and I've been away on a Buddhist retreat.

Buddhist retreats usually take place in a residential centre in a rural location, and take you well outside your normal routine to allow full immersion (or some would say confinement) into the spirit as well as the text of the retreat topic. I've been on a couple of single study days already, but I recently tried out a weekend retreat. It wasn't the usual rural immersion type because during the day we were in the Buddhist Centre in Shrewsbury, and bed and breakfast was provided by some of the local community - in my case, the old friend who got me involved in Buddhism in the first place. We'll call him VP.

The retreat leader was a chap who has written quite a few books exploring different aspects of Buddhism, the next of which will focus on Time, so this was our topic for the weekend. There were about 50 people there, about half being locals, but VP was the only person I knew beforehand. There was lots of waffle, some pleasant chatting, and I came away with a few nuggets that seem worth pondering. Discussion drew upon Buddhist teachings rather than neurological research, for example about the way that time seems elastic and sometimes appears to drag or fly by depending on whether you're waiting for a late train or enjoying a pleasant or engaging activity.

There was an interesting discussion about what exactly is 'Now', or the present moment, and I drew a comparison between the mind constructing sound from waves interacting with the ear drum, the mind constructing colour from light interacting with the retina, and the mind constructing the sensation of 'Now' from 'existence' or 'reality' or 'matter' interacting with consciousness. Our perception of time ceases when we are asleep or unconscious, and almost disappears when we are so absorbed that our consciousness narrows to a point of focus. I can work along with all the spiritual guff when it isn't at odds with my scientific viewpoint. None of it is of any practical use, except we are told that exercising the brain can stave off dementia, and also a change is as good as a rest.

Outside the formal sessions it was very easy to talk to people in the breaks, and after our vegan curry on Saturday night I found myself sitting next to someone who teaches creative writing. I have been thinking about this ever since reading my old school books, and even made a little sortie onto the Internet to look for local courses. It felt a lot like when my kitchen designer was the first person I met on my first Meetup walk. Sadly, most of the Meetup walks happen during the week now - I think the organisers are now retired so they don't have to limit themselves to weekends.

Just before I went home, VP just happened to mention that it would be good if I could put together something about nutrition for people who are thinking about becoming vegan. Of course I haven't got any time for this at the moment, but VP knows me too well and I've been thinking about it ever since. The idea has found its way into my Book of Lists, so it may happen at some point.